Never played golf? Why a simulator is the perfect introduction

Golf has an image: expensive, stuffy and only for people with a membership and a handicap. As a result, many people have never held a golf club. A shame, because it is a hugely enjoyable sport. A golf simulator is the easiest way to get to know it.

Why a simulator works better than a driving range

At a driving range you stand among experienced golfers, hit a basket of balls into the field and have no idea how far they went. On a simulator it is different:

• You see results immediately. The ball flies on screen, with distance and direction. You can see straight away whether you are improving.
• Nobody watching over your shoulder. You hit in a relaxed setting among colleagues, friends or family, not strangers.
• No equipment needed. Clubs, balls, mat: it is all there. You do not need to buy or rent anything.
• It is a game. With challenges like nearest to the pin it is not practice but a competition. That makes it fun from the very first shot.

Your first shot in five steps

A host will explain it on the day, but in short it looks like this:

1. The grip

Hold the club with both hands, one above the other. If you are right-handed, your left hand is at the top and your right hand below it. Do not squeeze too hard: imagine holding a tube of toothpaste you do not want to empty.

2. The stance

Place your feet shoulder-width apart, with the ball roughly in the middle. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward from your hips, so the club rests gently behind the ball on the mat.

3. Watch the ball

Sounds simple, but it is the most common mistake: looking up too early to see where the ball goes. On a simulator you do not even need to, because the screen shows you anyway.

4. Swing calmly

Turn your shoulders back and swing the club up calmly, then back down through the ball. Power comes by itself. Beginners who hit as hard as they can usually miss the ball.

5. Follow through

Do not stop at the ball, but swing through until your chest faces the screen. You finish with your weight on your front foot.

What can you expect?

To be honest: your first shots will probably not go straight. Some balls roll along the mat, others go well to the right. That is normal and part of it. The great thing about a simulator is that you see what happened with every shot and can try something different next time.

After a handful of shots almost everyone hits the ball well. And that moment, when your ball flies high and straight down the course for the first time, makes it instantly fun.

Can beginners win?

Yes, especially at nearest to the pin. That is about one good shot, not power or experience. It is common for someone who has never played golf to beat an experienced golfer. Read the rules in longest drive, nearest to the pin and matchplay.

For children

Children often pick up golf faster than adults, because they think about it less. We have shorter clubs so children can hit well too. That makes a simulator great at a family party or wedding.

And the experienced golfers?

They have just as much fun. They can play more than 50 famous courses, analyse their swing with the launch monitor data and compete with colleagues. So golfers and beginners together in one group works perfectly. Want to know everything the launch monitor measures? Read our article on the Garmin Approach R50.

Try golf for yourself?

A golf simulator at your corporate event, party or wedding is the most enjoyable way to discover golf. With our fully hosted package, a host helps beginners get started, in English if you prefer. Request a free quote or view our packages.